ILTM: OH, WHAT A SHOW!

For the third and final day of the International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes, exhibitor feedback is extremely positive.

Following are some of today’s top stories:

Dream Hotels Announces First UK Property

The hotel brand and management company Dream Hotel Group has announced plans to debut Unscripted Hotels, its newest lifestyle brand and hospitality concept designed for the “progressive, creative traveller”, in England in 2020. The hotel signing with London-based Ciel Capital positions Dream Hotel Group to lead the way for new growth in the region. Unscripted Birmingham Central Hall will feature 135 guest rooms and five dining and nightlife venues, including a rooftop lounge and two restaurants flanking the street level.

Five-star boutique hotel and estate Borgo Santo Pietro in Tuscany, Italy redefines its concept of ‘ultimate seclusion’, unveiling two magnificent 84.3 m2 pool house suites, each with their own exclusive pool, and two additional private garden suites.

The four new Garden Suites comprise:

La Casa dei Fiori Bianchi – 2 x Ultimate Seclusion Pool House Suites

La Casa dei Fiori Bianchi takes ultimate seclusion to a new level. Designed as two separate suites that can be connected internally via the garden to form a single complex, each suite includes its own expansive terrace and entirely private and heated 36m2 pool. The terraces are designed for private entertainment for couples and groups alike, with lavish shaded lounge areas with fireplace and sunbeds by the pool. Inside, soft thick textiles, Fortuny silks, Travertine flagstone floors, and a silvery grey and bronze palette create a light-filled ambience that is both uplifting and grounding. Space reigns supreme, from the separate bedroom, living room and walk-in wardrobe to the luxurious bathroom with double vanity and Roman-style marble bath situated in its own glass enclave overlooking the pool, which opens directly onto the terrace.

Situated alongside the Pilgrims’ Path, which traces an ancient pilgrimage route through the grounds, La Casa dei Fiori Bianchi’s interior pays homage to the Knights Templar, who protected medieval pilgrims en route to the Holy Land and brought back innovative ideas from afar.

Dina Ferri – Ultimate Seclusion Garden Suite

This suite is named in honour of renowned local ‘shepherdess poet’ Dina Ferri (1908–1930), whose powerful words still evoke the spirit of place surrounding Borgo Santo Pietro. A cocoon of calming green hues, the suite immerses the guest in the Tuscan landscape, with a sweeping pastoral scene painted by hand and private gardens on two sides that envelop the suite in total privacy and silence. Indoors and outdoors blend seamlessly with ultimate relaxation, with fireside lounge settings situated both within the suite and outside on the terrace and a luxurious Moroccan day bed tucked away on its own lawn. The suite’s spacious bathroom is designed for pure indulgence, featuring an elegant sofa tossed with Fortuny silk cushions, a Travertine stone shower and double vanity, and a hand-painted clawfoot bath that invites a luxurious soak by the open French doors leading onto the sun terrace.

Dea Feronia – Ultimate Seclusion Garden Suite

Sky, earth and garden hues come together in Dea Feronia, named after the Etruscan fertility goddess chosen as the patron deity of Borgo Santo Pietro’s farm. Rich Fortuny silks and a bespoke carved fireplace in creamy stone reflect the light and lustre of this spring-toned and supremely feminine suite, which also features an enormous walk-in wardrobe and spacious bathroom with Travertine stone shower, double vanity and freestanding bath.

Enveloped by lush private gardens, the terrace is dotted with sunbeds overlooking the greenery, with an ample lounge setting by the outdoor fireplace and a Moroccan daybed to enjoy the serenity of the surrounds.

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Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo Enables Guests to “Become a Samurai”

It’s an experience visitors from overseas won’t want to miss: for the first time in Japan, Tetsuro Shimaguchi’s Kamui Sword Artists are giving guests the “Samurai Experience” at Tokyo’s Chinzanso Hotel.

Two “samurai experiences” are available exclusively to guests, produced by action choreographer Tetsuro Shimaguchi, whose work includes action scenes from the popular film KILL BILL vol. 1, in which he also appeared as MIKI of the Crazy 88. Shimaguchi has devoted himself to the pursuit of numerous traditional Japanese sword techniques, and sharing the samurai spirit among them to the world.

Guests will discover the “soul of the warrior” existing within traditional Japanese combat and arts. In the Samurai Workshop, guests learn about traditional Japanese aesthetics and spirituality through instruction and the act of wielding an actual sword. The hotel also offers a Private Samurai Show, where after dining on Japanese cuisine, guests are treated to an exclusive display of powerful swordsmanship from the experts of Kamui.

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New Luxury Hotel Opens in Kyoto

Opening its doors on 7th September 2017, The Celestine Kyoto Gion is situated in the heart of the Higashiyama district of Kyoto, home to Gion, Kiyomizu-dera and the Kamo River. The hotel’s design concept is based on modern, luxurious re-working s of traditional Japanese themes, with rooms named “Higashiyama” and “Yasaka” complete with sliding “washi” paper screens. On site, a natural hot spring onsen celebrates Japanese spa culture.

The Endo Yasaka restaurant offers a unique menu for guests, as well as a stage area for maiko performances.

Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion offers free Wi – Fi throughout and room rates for a superior double start from £152 per night including taxes and fees.

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Kato Pleasure Group Announces Six New Luxury Ryokans in ‘Fufu’’ Series

Kawaguchiko Fufu – “A premium resort at the foot of Mount Fuji”

The Ryokan Collection member Kato Pleasure Group (KPG) has announced that it is developing six luxury ryokans (Japanese traditional inns) in its “Fufu” series of luxury resorts.

These new premium ryokans – Kawaguchiko Fufu, Atami Fufu ‘Ko No Ma No Tsuki’, Nara Fufu, Kyoto Fufu, Nikko Fufu and Gora Fufu – will join the Fufu series as world – class Japanese resorts. They are slated to open by 2020.

Currently, KPG manages Atami Fufu , which has been a member ryokan of The Ryokan Collection since 2015.

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Destination Florence

Firenze Convention and Visitors Bureau are presenting “Destination Florence”, the new project realised in partnership with the Municipality of Florence that will enable the redefining of a future model for the governance and sustenance of the city’s tourism.

Destination Florence also includes a strategic instrument for the promotion and sale of the city of Florence: the portal www.destinationflorence.com, which will be the digital hub of Florence’s tourism. It will allow the cross selling of all the tourist services of Florence, ranging from tickets for museums, theatres, sporting events, taxis, and city tours with a unique check out payment.

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Brach Paris Opening Q2 2018

In spring 2018, Evok Hôtels will open its second 5 stars property — the Brach Paris — located in the 16th arrondissement near the Trocadero.

Designed by Philippe Starck, it is a unique lively place in Paris. From the 1000 members gym with a 25 meters swimming pool to the healthy restaurant, the 59 rooms and suites hotel, the pastry shop by Yann Brys “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” of pastry and the vegetables garden, Brach Paris will be at the very heart of its neighbourhood.

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Major Refit for Forte Village

A long-time favorite holiday resort, Forte Village, located on the idyllic south coast of Sardinia, has just completed its €40m ‘new era’ renovation and upgrading program of all the rooms and common areas including the redesigned Oasis pool area, the all year Acquaforte Thalasso & SPA and the new Forte Arena.

Next, 2018 will see two new luxury villas, 11 in total. Each Villa has a private garden and pool, sophisticated décor and butler service. Guests will also enjoy the new Peruvian and Vegetarian restaurants, the new Forte Bay pool for guests of Le Dune, and the new fencing sport academy.

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New Addition to Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Villa Sola Cabiati

The Grand Hotel Tremezzo celebrates its reopening on March 9th 2018. Their precious new asset is Villa Sola Cabiati (pictured above), a magnificent artistic masterpiece of the 18th century.

Six tastefully appointed Suites, the splendour of the halls, a beautiful Italian garden as well as the luscious park with a private pool, offer the ideal location for unique experiences on Lake Como, where guests are pampered with all comfort and VIP services including a private butler, waiter and personal chef.

The Villa is just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Palace and can be easily reached in a few minutes by car or via water limousine. The venue is also the perfect setting for exclusive events, weddings, gala dinner, romantic private dinners “dimmidisi” set in the frescoes room or a one of a kind “Chic-Nic’s” served in the beautiful parkland of the Villa in total privacy.”

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$75-million Refit for Half Moon Jamaica

Half Moon, Jamaica’s 63-year-old family-owned iconic resort prepares for the rebirth of its legacy following a major property transformation, which will be realised in November 2018.

Phase II of the $75 million Master Plan renovation consists of 57 new accommodations, including villa suites with up to three interconnecting rooms. Upon completion, 98% of total accommodation inventory will be ocean view. Also debuting at Half Moon is an expanded beachfront, adults-only swimming pool, two restaurants, a vegan café and three bars. Half Moon is excited to welcome future generations of guests, as it embarks on a journey that will extend its heritage – refreshing, repositioning and readying Half Moon for the next 60 years.

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NH Hotel Group Presents Futuristic Rooms @ ILTM

Now travellers can adapt rooms to their mood in NH Collection Eurobuilding thanks to “Mood Room”. Equipped with the latest technology, lighting and sound, these rooms create different settings that can reflect and adapt to guests’ emotions. A pioneering concept that is presented as a real experience for guests and that NH Hotel Group was developed in collaboration with Philips Lighting.

Guests can choose whatever setting they wish, depending on the time or their mood, controlling the colour scheme and intensity of the light, music, temperature and ventilation, also enjoying the Emotional Shower.

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Nobu Announces New Openings

Nobu Marbella

Founded by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Teper, with operations spanning five continents, the Nobu brand thrives in the world’s capitals as the ultimate destination lifestyle experience.

Following the successful openings of Nobu Ryokan Malibu, Nobu Hotel Shoreditch London, Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay and Nobu Hotel Epiphany Palo Alto in 2017, Nobu Hotels currently in development and due to launch in 2018 in the following destinations include Riyadh, Marbella, Los Cabos, Chicago and Barcelona.

Future developments in the pipeline also include Toronto, Sao Paulo, Bahrain and Atlanta.

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A New Private Island Experience in the Caribbean

Petit St Vincent – Photo credit Steve Schill

Travellers wanting to really escape from the modern world and reconnect with nature can stay in one of the world’s most enchanting private hideaways. Petit St. Vincent is a 115 acre volcanic island fringed with pristine beaches and surrounded by turquoise ocean offering an ‘unplugged’ Caribbean vibe and ultimate barefoot luxury.

There are just 22 spacious cottages and villas scattered in the lush forest and on the cliff tops, with incredible views across the island. All cottages are purposely free of telephones, wireless connections and televisions, allowing guests the chance to completely detach from the common tech-heavy distractions of every day modern life.

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Silversands – Opening Spring 2018 (Grenada)

Silversands Grenada will open March 2018 as the first modern-designed luxury resort on the lush island of Grenada.

The resort will include 43 spacious suites and nine spectacular Hillside and Beachfront villas for purchase, all anchored by a 100-meter pool – the longest in the Caribbean. The sleek property will also include a spa retreat, beach club and globally-inspired restaurant highlighting Grenada’s reputation as “the Spice of the Caribbean.”

Moreover, Silversands Grenada will offer a new way for luxury travellers to experience authentic Grenada, with white sand beaches, waterfalls, rainforests, vibrant culture, and one of the warmest welcomes in the world.

Peninsula Announces All-Suite Hotel for Beijing

“The Luxury of Space” is celebrated at The Peninsula Beijing, the only all-suite hotel in China’s capital city. In line with the company’s aim to set new standards for guest comfort, the suites are, according to Peninsula, among the largest in Beijing – each one featuring the latest bespoke in-room technology.

Peninsula has also announced three other new destinations. Expected to open in 2020, The Peninsula Istanbul will offer sweeping views of the Bosphorus, while The Peninsula London (pictured) and The Peninsula Yangon will welcome their first guests in 2021.

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Trafalgar St James

The newly opened Trafalgar St. James hotel is set to become one of the hottest properties in the capital. The hotel features a rooftop bar –‘The Rooftop’ andan all-day restaurant and grill, ‘The Trafalgar Dining Rooms’whichoffers some of the finest and freshest Mediterranean dishes with a London twist. The hotel features 131 rooms, with 15 suites, which offer a chic, urban vibe allowing guests to wake up to the ultimate view of Central London.

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Camp Rebuild for Wilderness Safaris

Wilderness Safaris have commenced the rebuild of their flagship camps situated in the world-renowned Mombo Concession in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Proposed opening date for both Mombo and Little Mombo camps is end February 2018.

Well-known as “the Place of Plenty,” Mombo’s location on Chief’s Island within the Moremi Game Reserve attracts an enormous number and variety of animals, which makes it a hugely sought-after destination.

While the new camps will comprise what the company describes as “the most appropriate and sustainable luxury required of such a leading destination”, they will, they say, also remain rooted in an authentic bush-camp offering to ensure that the original Mombo experience is retained.